Stupid HR Rules

Let's Discuss HR's Relationship with Rules

In the world of HR, rules often take the spotlight. We're sometimes seen as the policy police, enforcing regulations left and right. But why are rules so enticing? Do they give us a sense of security? Do they make us feel productive?

While some rules make perfect sense, let's take a moment to acknowledge some truly absurd ones. For instance, did you know that in Colorado, it's illegal to discharge a catapult or use flaming arrows? In Connecticut, pickles must bounce to be considered legitimate, according to state law. Strange, right?

Part of the HR experience involves dealing with requests for new rules. Whether it's about attendance, cell phones, or even pickles, we face these situations. Here's my advice: While rules have their place, we should actively identify and eliminate the truly nonsensical ones.

When someone approaches me with a demand for a new policy, my favorite response is, "I'm happy to explore that. But which existing policy should we remove? We won't add more to our handbook."

Speaking of handbooks, let's be honest—they can be cumbersome and overwhelming. How many new hires genuinely read through the entire document during orientation? It's rare. We should strive for a better onboarding experience.

Our focus in HR should be on building a positive culture, fostering trust, and creating effective systems. Let's steer away from unnecessary bureaucracy and embrace simplicity. And yes, we can all agree that catapults have no place in the workplace. However, a pickle should bounce from a one-foot drop—just for fun!

Remember, let's prioritize meaningful work over excessive rules. It's time to rethink the outdated practices and promote a more engaging and productive HR environment.

Share your thoughts in the comments!

#hr #hrcommunity #rules #compliance #rebelhr Kyle Roed